Obtaining a Remodeling Estimate

Most of the time, you will need to enlist the help of professional remodeling companies if you decide to remodel your home. Unless you are considering to do all the work absolutely by yourself, chances are that professional companies will need to be called upon. If this is the case, then, you will certainly need to obtain remodeling estimates by these companies. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind, though, about the estimates that you will obtain from remodeling companies:

#1: Obtain Multiple Estimates

Anytime that you obtain any kind of request from a specific company then chances are that you'll want to approach more than 1 or 2 companies to find out what the costs will be. While one company may charge $1,000 just for installing tile on the floor, another company may charge considerably more expensive. Deciding on which company will offer you the best value for their remodeling work is what homeowners should be keeping a lookout for.

Another aspect of obtaining multiple requests for remodeling that needs to be considered is where the companies and professionals are situated. If there is one company located outside the city and there is one that is inside, chances are that one of them will be more expensive based on their location and traveling charges to travel from their location to yours. However, this may be a well worth investment if one company reputation prevails over another, but these are all things that must be thought about.

#2: These are only Estimates

Just as the word indicates, obtaining a remodeling estimate is only an estimate of what you will be paying. For example, if a homeowner does receive a remodeling estimate for $2,000 in order to complete a job then they should very well expect to pay anywhere from $3,00 to $4,000. The overhead costs that should be expected on top of the company estimates are because there are typically unexpected hidden costs during the remodeling process.

For example, some of the materials may be more expensive than initially realized, or there may be more work that is actually required than originally thought. In any case, the remodeling estimates that are obtained from remodeling companies should be treated only as estimates, and homeowners should be mentally prepared if what they pay is actually a great deal more expensive.

Of course, there are several other things that one must think about when obtaining a home or business remodeling estimate. For example, one must think about if there is any aspect of the remodeling process that they can do themselves. Even if it seems like a small aspect of the project that can be done by you, chances are that it will detract significantly from the expense of the professional remodeling company.

All in all, though, these are important things to think about when obtaining a home or business remodeling quote to do the work. In any event, remodeling companies are typically more than glad to offer them when they're asked!

Did you find those tips on remodeling estimate useful? You can learn a lot more about remodeling estimate by visiting http://home-remodeling.homeimprovementnewbie.com/

The author of this article is Shin who is the webmaster of the site http://www.homeimprovementnewbie.com/ where he provides tips on home improvement.

Brilliant Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

For some people DIY is just an experiment, it's not guaranteed to work. Some DIY projects may be successful, but others may be a complete failure. DIY is scary for a number of people however it's still a good idea to do these fairly simple projects by yourself as the professionals earn a lot of money in this country.

If the job is more difficult than simply hammering a nail in then it can be very scary for a great number of people. However as with everything else practice makes perfect, an ideal place to practice is in your bathroom, there's nothing that you can really do wB64rong. With good planning you should be able to accomplish any bathroom upgrade.

If you are at all worried about your bathroom upgrade then you can ask in your local hardware store for some recommendations. They may also be able to offer you a fantastic deal for the parts that you need. A number of bathroom upgrades simply involve changing tiles and taps. However it is possible to do more complicated tasks by yourself, and they don't really require that much more work. Improving the storage space in your bathroom can make huge improvements.

You've got to be brave it's bound to all come together!

You should create a thorough plan to help you with your bathroom renovation ideas. Include every task that you think you may need to do, including stripping out the old bathroom units and installing new ones. Make sure you know the exact dimensions of the room so that you can efficiently lay out your new bathroom.

Renovating your bathroom isn't as difficult as most people assume, it's mostly a lot of manual labor. This general muscle work can be carried out by a local builder, if possible try to find a tame builder that won't charge you an arm and a leg for such simple tasks. Alternatively you could try and get one of your relatives to help you do this. However you should always try to get stuck in, as you're never going to learn unless you actually do something. Treat your bathroom upgrade tasks as an educational experience, learn from it!

If you do get someone else in to help you then make sure you ask lots of questions, ideally next time you want to be doing it yourself. After this you can start to make sure you know where everything is going in your bathroom.

Anyone can have a dream about how they want their bathroom to look, however you have to bear in mind your budget. You could virtually spend any amount of money upgrading your bathroom, but everyone has limits somewhere. You should be sure to work out the exact costs that you will be spending, remember to include the prices of all the fixtures. Then you can start to look at which toilet, sink and bath you want to purchase.

Bathroom renovations can take quite a long time to complete you should make sure that you have enough time to complete the task before you start. If you are working full time then you will probably be working on it after work and at weekends, in which case it could take quite a while to complete.

Ray Walberg's online reports are published on different online sites associated with circular swing saws. Through his reports, the writer demonstrated his skill on information dealing with best table saw20C

How To Cut Your Home Remodeling Cost In Half

Cutting down on your home remodeling cost really isn't difficult. All that's needed is some innovation. Let's talk about cutting down the costs while refurbishing your home.

First of all, what sort of style are you looking into? You might be more into classical d1C84esign. On the other hand, you might be more into modern design. Think about the mood or ambience you want to set up.

An inexpensive way to liven up your interiors is by changing your walls. You may either paint the walls or add wallpaper. To complete the look, all you have to do is replace your old lighting fixtures. Even if you remodel just the living area, this would create a huge impact to your whole house. This is where you sit your guests and spend most of your time in, so it's worth making a change without the large home remodeling cost.

The kitchen is also a busy place. In the modern day, we don't just use the kitchen for cooking. It is also an area for entertainment. Consider extending your kitchen to the living area. Install additional kitchen storage to get rid of the clutter.

When refurbishing your kitchen, think about your health, food and lifestyle. Think about the space you'll require for food preparations and cooking. Think of ways to make cleaning your kitchen less tedious. And lastly, choose a style that best suits your taste. There are so many designs you can set up at a reduced home remodeling cost.

Now let's focus on the details. You can begin refurbishing with accessories and appliances. Consider replacing old cabinetry with built-in shelving. This is relatively much cheaper than purchasing a brand new set of furniture. Plus, you get to have a unique statement while cutting your home remodeling cost in half.

For your kitchen, you can start with appliances, then work around them. Appliances are so easy to replace. Just be creative in choosing their design and color. You can then replace your faucet set or those old cabinet door handles to match the whole surrounding.

Don't neglect your private space. You can easily set up new sinks and toilets, which can already change the whole look for your bathroom. If your floors are discolored, take them off and place new ones. There are lots of inexpensive tiles because there are now more materials available.

If you have carpeting in your bedroom, think about revamping it. You can simply hire a cleaning service to take away those unattractive stains, and this doesn't cost too much. If your carpet is very worn out, you may simply cover some areas with new area rugs.

Refurbishing your entire house will mean dealing with a large home remodeling cost. To avoid the high costs, add a new border around your entrance door or windows for a fresh design. Don't forget your lawn and work on the grass, add garden structures or try landscaping.

You should begin by studying your total home remodeling cost. Factor in building permit fees, home improvement loans and material labor, furniture and appliance expenses. For free estimates and ideas in evaluating your home remodeling cost, there's lots of useful sources in the World Wide Web.

Find out regarding home remodeling cost. Begin your home remodeling.

Tips To Keep From Damaging Your Corian Sink

For the purposes of this article I am going to refer to Corian sinks but the information is the same for all brands of solid surface sinks.

People love to have a Corian sink installed in their Corian countertops. And why not? They are elegant and functional. The undercounter installation makes it a breeze to sweep the crumbs from the countertop right into the sink and there is nothing sticking up around the sink to catch crumbs and get dirty.

It just stands to reason that when a homeowner has a chunk busted out of the sink or a crack shows up from out of nowhere, they get all bent out of shape. It is not cheap to replace a corian sink. A professional repair fabricator can do it and you would never know that it had been replaced, except of course the damage is gone. But here are some tips to keep you from paying the repair man.

1. Never drain hot water directly into the sink when it is cold. Before you drain the vegetables or pasta water out into the sink, be sure to run hot (not scalding, but quite hot) water into the sink to prevent thermo shock.

2. Always try to hit the drain while draining hot water. Now, you don't have to be perfect about this so don't freak out if you can't get the water in the drain without hitting the sink. It's just a good idea to get most of the hottest water right into the drain itself instead of getting it on the sink.

3. Put a rubber mat in the bottom of the sink. It will absorb the impact of things that are hard enough to cause damage to the sink. It will also provide extra protection against the tips of knives and forks.

Follow these tips and prolong the life of your Corian sink.

Bryan Dix is the owner of Complete Solid Surface Refinishing. North Carolina's first solid surface counter top "repair only" fabricator.

CSSR Blog is packed with photos of different repairs and situations. Questions that customers and others ask will be addressed here.

Nationwide Surface Repair.

Obtaining a Home Improvement Estimate

When you are unsure what a home improvement repair or project will cost because you have never done anything similar before you can ask for a home improvement estimate. Your estimate will be a guide as to what the entire project may cost and is a great way to figure out how many dollars you will need to find to remodel a room.

A home improvement estimate will cost the project based on the dimensions of your room. You will need to be specific about the materials you wish to use and the finished look that you are trying to achieve. Your consultant will inform you of any contractor markups that you may be responsible for and the estimate will take into account regional pricing differences.

These costs come from researchers who compile the material costs by contacting hundreds of lumDBDberyards throughout the United States. The labor costs are compiled by tracking the labor trends and collecting data from professional remodeling contractors who use the pricing service.

When you are obtaining your estimate, the costs are collected from many different regions. These costs are used to determine the price of your project and are specific to your job. This information is combined with knowledge of the area that you live in, all of which assists with your home improvement estimate. The closer they are, the easier it is to get your items.

The price you get during a home improvement estimate is based on the information you provide to the consultant. This is a good indication of what your project will cost, but your actual price may vary. When you decide on a contractor, they will be able to take accurate measurements and flesh out the details you have already received. Other factors can impact the final price of your project as well. Things like access to the work area, unusual terrain, scheduling, seasonal conditions, etc.

Most of the items in your estimate will be quoted at retail price. This is what you would pay if you bought these items from a retail store. This way you get a better idea what the style and quality of the product is you are specifying. Appliances are an excellent example of something you would buy from a retailer. All of these considerations will be taken into account with your home improvement estimate.

If you want to cut down on the cost of your project take a look at the jobs that you can do yourself. There will always be jobs that you can do on your own without having to pay someone else. Find a good home improvement repair book and follow the instructions. Start with smaller jobs like painting and slowly build your handyman proficiency, and this alone can cut the cost of your home improvement by half, if not more.

Timing Your Remodeling Project For A Better Price

Are you looking for materials for a new deck, for example? Try waiting until the fall instead of buying in the spring. As winter approaches there are fewer people putting in decks, which means that you may get your materials more cheaply in October than you can in April. Also, if you can wait for the holiday sales to buy you can often save a lot. Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays are typically good times to buy remodeling materials. With a little attention to the sales you can dramatically reduce your home improvement estimate.

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Home Improvement Website to assist homeowners with home improvement tips and information.

Paying Contractors And Subs

If you decide to use a contractor or subcontractor, often referred to as a sub, then you will want to understand how to pay them. Your leverage on them to get the job done and done right is payment and their good name. If they don't have a good name then payment for their work is your only leverage. Hence, you will want to determine before you hire them how you will compensate them for their work.

You must understand the basics of how the laws are written to understand the dynamics of paying a contractor. If a contractor does work on your home and you don't pay them, they can file a lien against the house in order to get payment. They can even foreclose on the house if you refuse to pay them. A lien will also keep you from refinancing or selling the home. Hence, you will want to make sure you cover yourself when you pay your subs and contractors.

If you are using a general contractor to do a remodel, he may bring in specialists to do portions of the work. If you are paying him a set rate for the remodel, he is using your funds to pay the subcontractors. However, it is possible for him to take payment from you and then not pay for the work done by the subcontractor. The subcontractor could then in turn put a lien against your house even though you have already paid for the work done.

You can avoid this issue by paying each subcontractor directly. When you make the contract with the general contractor, you can demand to pay off each sub that works on the house. Then when you make payments to the sub, require that they write a release for the work done before giving them the money. This gives you an opportunity to inspect the work first to make sure the work is up to standard. Now that you have the release, they should not be able to file a lien.

Also, when paying the general contractor, you may want to pay for all of the materials directly too. This prevents the suppliers from filing liens for non-payment. Additionally, you should never pay the entire amount to the contractor up front. What is to keep him from skipping out on you and not completing the work? You should pay him in segments as the work is completed. This will motivate him to keep working and if something does go wrong and he leaves, you are only out a portion of your money and you still have enough funds to hire a new person to finish the remodel.

You will want to screen your contractors and subcontractors before you hire them. If they have a history of poor payment activities then you want to avoid working with them. You will want to ask for references and then check them. Also, inspect the work they have done. If you do your research properly, you shouldn't have to deal with shoddy work and mechanics liens.

Even though you may hire a general contractor to handle all of the day to day worries, you will want to pay close attention to the remodel. Inspect the work periodically and make sure that the work is being performed correctly. If you don't, you may be surprised by a few errors before the work is completed and after the work is completed.

In summary, you will want to work out the details of payments before hiring any work done on your house. When you do pay for the work, you will want to have letters of release signed so that contractors will not be able to enforce liens on the house.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information.

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Famous Skyscrapers

Architectural design has advanced to a phenomenal stage where every modern city would like to boast having one of the tallest buildings. While criteria defining the tallest buildings or skyscrapers differ widely, listed below are the ten most popular architectural marvels of our time.

Empire State Building
A world famous New York City landmark and sky scaper, it rises above the island of Manhattan, about a quarter of a mile into the sky. The observatory is located on the 86th floor, 1050 feet above the ground and offers the most breathtaking and panoramic view of Manhattan and beyond from within a glass enclosed pavilion. Besides the observatory there are several tourist attractions, including, restaurants, shops and banks. It also has a New York SKYRIDE an independently owned and operated simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theatre. William Lamb, an architect at Shreve, Lamb and Harmon was chosen to design the Empire State Building in 1930

Petronas Towers
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lampur lay claim to being the tallest twin towers of the 20th century, standing at a height of 1483 feet. They were designed by architect Cesar Pelli and completed in 1998. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim religion. The towers feature a sky-bridge between the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors which is 170m high and 58m long.

Sears Tower
Architect Bruce Graham designed the Sears Tower of Chicago in 1974. At 1450 feet, and 110 stories, it is the tallest building in the United States of America. The construction system consists of steel fram with bronze tinted glass curtain wall. The Sears Tower Skydeck observation deck and tourist attraction is on the 103rd floor, 1353 feet above the ground.

Bank of China Tower
Located in Honk Kong, in addition to being one of the famous skyscrapers in the world, it is one of the most outstanding achievements of modern architecture. The construction was started in 1985 and completed in five years by the architects I. M. Pei & Partners and Sherman Kung & Associates. The building standing at 1205 feet, is a grouping of four triangular glass and aluminium towers of different heights, all emerging from a single granite podium. The changes rising from a square base to a single spire results in a magnificent faade of angles and profiles that reflect the light and seem almost crystalline in composition. On the 42nd floor is a sky-deck providing a panoramic view of the northwest Hong Kong.

Chrysler Building
Rising at 1046 feet, it was considered to be an engineering marvel and the tallest building in 1931. However, it still remains the tallest brick building in the world. The tower is a beautifully tapered stainless steel crown supporting the famous spire at its peak. A quintessence of skyscraper design, the Chrysler Building is a perfect example of Art Deco and has a lobby clad in different marble, onyx and amber.

Taipei 101
At a height of 1671 feet, this high-rise building has surpassed all to become the tallest skyscraper today. Taipei 101 holds the world record in three of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's height categories: tallest to the structural top, tallest to the roof, and highest occupied floor. The 89th floor has an indoor observation area while the 91st floor has an outdoor observation deck, known as the highest in the world. The pagoda shaped design of this building is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. The sectioned tower is also symbolic of the bamboo plant characterizing strength, resilience and elegance. The towers design specifications are based on the number 8, considered lucky in the Chinese culture.

Jin Mao Building
This building in Shanghai symbolizes the progress and advancement made by the Chinese. It boasts of being the first tallest sky scrape in the country and the third tallest in the world. A great blend of East-West architecture it denotes aptly the emergence of Shanghai as a modern global city. It follows the versatility model by offering retail at it base, offices above and the Grand Hyatts Worlds highest Hotel occupying the upper 38 floors. The magnificently designed building combines the elements of traditional Chinese architecture and a vastly Gothic influence.

Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab rises to a level of 1053 feet, and is known as one of the worlds tallest structure with a membrane faade, 24-meter wide helipad. This is the tallest operating hotel building in the world and the design is influenced by the profile of an Arabian sailing ship. The Al Muntaha restaurant is located 200 meters above the Persian Gulf offering a panoramic view of Dubai while the atrium is situated at a height of 180 meters.

CN Tower
At a height of 1815 feet, the CN Tower in Toronto is the tallest building and freestanding structure in the world. It is considered to be the signature icon of the city and hosts almost two million visitors a year. The view from the exterior glass floored observation deck located 342 meters above ground is breathtaking as it is exciting. It also has the Space Deck at 447 meters, the worlds tallest observation deck with a 160 km view and the revolving 360 Degree Restaurant.

Hancock Place
A reflective obelisk sky scrape at Boston is an architectural marvel. It is regarded as icily magnificent wherein the surface changes as the day changes, each side reflecting the color of the sky it faces. Moreover, this dramatic effect is highlighted by the parallelogram shape of the prism, which provides uniquely differing reflections on adjoining surfaces.

The architectural buildings mentioned above are famous creations and literally considered architectural works of art today.

William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about architecture

Water-Flood Damage Information and Tips

Water and Flood Damage Information For Your Property

Water damages requires immediate attention to minimize further losses. In case a water damage occurs in your home or property try to locate the problem. By doing so you can help prevent further damages. Examples are turning off the water line for faucet,washing machine or dishwasher.Call a plumber to report a leak for service and report the damage to your Insurance Company. Your insurance adjusters will guide you through the process and will give you advices on what to do. Then move Items in advance such as furnitures, boxes, clothes, beds, etc. to a room which is unaffected. The basic idea here is to Move and Protect your personal belongings and documents. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.
"Allow molds to grow on home and or a building, materials that are soaked wet for more than 24 hours, and in "48 hours of wetness, the deadly toxic mold Stachybotrys can begin growing in the damaged areas." This is a fact and documented by mold experts.

Water Damage Tips

*Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping the area or using a wet/dry vacuum.
*Wipe as much excess water from wood furniture as you can and remove tabletop lamps and other items from the furniture.
*Turn the air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summer and open the windows in the winter to release trapped for an improved indoor air quality.
*Remove any artwork and paintings from the walls if affected. *Remove any area rugs from the floor and hang to dry outside or inside.
*Remove wet upholstery cushions from the frame and prop them up to dry immediately.
*Place plastic or aluminum foil under any furniture legs that are not plastic to prevent discoloration or bleeding. *Punch tiny holes in a sagging ceiling to relieve trapped water make sure to place something underneath the holes beforehand to collect any A25trapped water.
*Make sure that electrical appliances are turned off while standing on wet carpets, floors or especially on wet concrete floors to prevent possible electrocution.
*Report your damage to your insurance company.
*Get help from a Professional for water damage restoration service.

Hazards caused by a Water Damage in your Home

Growth of Mold
Mildew or Strong Mildew Smell
Unpleasant or Bad Indoor Air Quality
Growth of other kinds of Micro-Organisms

Flood Damage

Most Flood Damages are from natural disasters. To minimize your losses it is good to check always the area of your Property in case you need to purchase additional coverage. Ask your Insurance Company about flood insurance and if you qualify for it.It is always best to have additional coverage if your home or facility is in in a Flood Prone Area.
Remember that water which comes from outside of your home mostly are not covered by your regular home insurance policy. It is always best to read and understand your policy.

In cases of severe storms or hurricanes always be prepared.
Here are some Immediate Thingst that you might need .

* Handheld Radios and Batteries to listen for Warning Updates
* A Good Supply of Bottled Water
* Flashlights with Batteries
* Cellphones Fully Charged
* Jackets or Raincoats

This is a safety reminder by RJ Cleaning and Restoration

Jude Deguzman
RJ Cleaning and Restoration
Serving Maryland / Washington DC / Northern Virginia
Water and Flood Damage Restoration Specialist
http://www.rjcleanrestore.com

A DIY Project Can Be Fun & Rewarding

With the high cost of buying or building a new home, more and more couples and families are choosing to buy older homes that they can fix up themselves. Just make sure you are the DIY home improvement type of person. While one person may enjoy DIY projects, these may be dreaded words to another. There is the story of the businessman from Singapore that purchased a home in the United States sight unseen because a relative in the U.S. recommended it. When the purchase was final, he was told it was a great older home that just needed some old fashioned DIY home improvement. That was the most dreaded response he could have heard, as he had no construction knowledge whatsoever.

Before you begin a renovation job, review everything that needs to be done in order of importance. While the idea of totally residing the home may seem overwhelming to the novice, repainting or putting in new drywall may be a job you can handle as well as improving the interior immensely. Starting small and simple is the key to getting the job done without getting frustrated and giving up. Many times, we think we need something replaced in our home only to discover we just need to repair or renovate it.

Painting is a large part of remodeling your home both inside and out. It's also a very simple project once you get the hang of what you're doing. If you are the artistic creative type, you can make some great designs on your interior walls that will make the idea of wallpaper unnecessary. This is a great way to renovate a room into a nursery.

Carpentry, plumbing, electricity and heating are major parts of home improvement and home renovations. There are major as well as minor things you can do in these areas. If you're not 100% sure of what you're doing with the heating, plumbing or electricity, don't be afraid to call or professional unless you know something that can help. These are areas where mistakes could be not only inconvenient but also expensive. You don't want to find out that your furnace doesn't work in the dead of winter.

There are many DIY home improvement guides available online as well as at your local library. Many of these will walk you through any project you need done from beginning to end. You can also get some great tips at the home & building supply store where you get your home improvement materials like air compressor, coolers, etc. Between this and helpful hints from friends knowledgeable, you're all set to go. Before you begin any renovations, make sure you check with your local zoning board on any permits that may be required BEFORE you start your DIY job.

Vince Paxton usually creates publications on subjects similar to air compressor and finding good air compressors. His observations on coolers for air compressors can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com

The Added Convenience Of An Indoor Swimming Pool

Homeowners who enjoy the added luxury of owning a home swimming pool will surely tell you of the countless hours of enjoyment and increased property value that their swimming pool has provided them. In fact, more and more people who are embarking upon new home construction are choosing to include the backyard swimming pool in their initial Construction Plans. But for some homeowners, climate and convenience have prompted them to opt instead for an indoor swimming pool a place where they can enjoy the luxuries of the water unobstructed.

The indoor swimming pool is just what its name suggests an enclosed swimming pool that is within a building or home. Many public facilities such as gyms, country clubs, hotels, and schools offer an indoor swimming pool. But now, more than ever, there is a growing trend for the private sector to include an indoor swimming pool in their home design. In this case, the pool may be within the confines of the home or within an attached atrium that is surrounded by glass. In either case, the indoor swimming pool is protected from the elements including temperature and bugs and allows users to enjoy the water without having to give any thought to the time of day or time of year.

Of course, as with any swimming pool, ongoing maintenance of the indoor swimming pool is essential to ensuring that the pool stays in proper working condition. Often homeowners will enlist the services of a professional swimming pool maintenance company that will clean, maintain, and repair the swimming pool according to the terms of their contract.

However, there are certain safety issues that must be addressed if you choose to have an indoor swimming pool especially if there are children in the home. While an outdoor pool can certainly be dangerous, you at least have the opportunity to fence off the pool area so that children do not enter without being accompanied by an adult. If you have a pool inside your home you must take extra precautions to ensure that children are supervised at all times and know not to enter the pool area without permission. It may be advisable depending on the ages of the children to keep the indoor swimming pool behind locked doors. In addition, all children should be taught to swim, as well as taught comprehensive pool safety.

An indoor swimming pool can be a luxurious addition to any home. If you use it safely and maintain it well, it will surely bring you many years of enjoyment.

For easy to understand, in depth information about indoor swimming pool visit our ezGuide 2 Swimming Pool.

Ceiling Fan Light Kits - Most Lighting Kits Come Ready And Easy To Install!

There are many fans that do not come with lights attached and you may be missing out on good lighting for that room. Adding a light fixture to your ceiling fan is easy to do with a ceiling fan light kit. Lighting kits are the best way to add a little light to a dim room.

Where to find a ceiling fan light kit?
You can look on ceiling Fan Company or light company web sites and browse for good bargains on lighting kits. You can also comparison shop to find some good deals. There are many ways and places to find a good lighting kit. Finding good deals on a lighting kit for your fan can make any room look great and leave more money for other home improvements.

Easy to install!
Lighting kits are not very hard to install. Even if you do not consider yourself to be that handy, most lighting kits come ready and easy to install. All ceiling fan light kits will come with easy to read and follow instructions with electrical instructions to help you install your light without any trouble.

Different Styles
Lighting kits can come in many styles as well and you can find the right one for any room with any decor. If you have Victorian style decor and fan, you can find a Victorian style lighting kit. With many lighting kits you may have to wire the lighting yourself. If you have to wire the light your self you will have to make sure the electricity is off to the room so you do not electrocute yourself.

Decorative purposes?
One thing you need to remember is that most fan lights are designed for limited wattage. Basically, you need to make sure that the lighting kit you bought will be sufficient enough for its purpose. There are some kits that are purely for decorative purposes. These lights will not be very appropriate if you are looking to light up a big room.

Spot light fixtures
Stemmed or spot lighting fixtures seem to be the best when getting a kit for lighting up a room, this is because you can turn and point the lights where you want it giving good light in the spot you need it. Another popular light fixture is the bowl light fixture. This fixture has a bowl shaped cover over the bulb, the bowl it's ordinarily either frosted or clear.

Energy Efficient Light kit
If you would like to have an energy efficient light on your fan, you can replace a regular bulb with an energy efficient bulb. These bulbs usually have low wattage but produce light that seems as if it was a high watt bulb. You can also find kits with the energy star logo on it. The energy star logo means that the kit is compliant with the energy star standards.

All in all, if your fan does not have a light attached to it, do not panic. You can go get a lighting kit and install it easily on your own. You can also brag to all your friends that you did it on your own when they tell you how good it looks. When you use energy efficient lighting kits and bulbs you are sure to save money on your electric bill.

To Find More Ceiling Fan Light Kits ratings and reviews for your home visit www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Copyright 2008 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you wit3DAh the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Ceiling Fan Light Kits ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Bathroom Remodeling For the Luxury of Style

Bathroom remodeling can be your opportunity to express your individual sense of style. If you are remodeling your home, bathroom remodeling will definitely be high on priority. Your bathroom should be comfortable, attractive and functional. Bathroom remodeling becomes more important if you like to spend long time in the bathroom, introspecting and just being with you. After all, bathroom is your comfort zone.

When you think of bathroom remodeling, consider every aspect of it. Right from5B1 floor plan and layout to the kind of tiles, roofing, sanitary fittings, accessories and dcor you would want to have in your bathroom.

Hiring a specialized bathroom-remodeling contractor can be a good decision if you want a bathroom thats just perfect and an explicit modern space of your home. These contractors are well experienced in bathroom remodeling and work within the specified budget. Moreover, you dont have to run around to see to the petty issues related to bathroom remodeling since the contractor will give you comprehensive set of services.

Bathroom remodeling can be a very good home investment since it leverages the market value of the house. Whether you like to sell the house or take loan against it, a simple investment like bathroom remodeling can help you get good returns.

One thing you must remember while going for remodeling is that in no case should you compromise with comfort and safety to make space for style and trends. However, if you do thoughtful planning, your bathroom-remodeling plan can have the best of both the worlds.

Natasha
For more tips and details visit http://www.allremodel.com

Bathroom Remodeling Information and Ideas

When homeowners decide to do home improvement, they think the bathroom. This is the place where one can get away from all the stresses in life. By redesigning your bathroom cabinets, sinks, bath tubs or even the floor, you can turn your bathroom into a newly designed retreat where relaxation and unwinding is the ultimate experience.

The bathroom is the most used room in the house so it should seem that it is the most remodeled room. After a certain periodEA1 of time owning a home, the bathroom becomes the most boring even if nothing has been done since you moved in. Most likely your bathroom is the standard white sink, white tub, and white toilet. Now there are many bathroom renovations ideas to choose from such as a spa bath, fog free mirrors, a warming bathroom floor to name a few. Install a new shower faucet with an anti-scald pressure regulator - remove the scenario where someone flushes the toilet and out comes scalding water from your shower faucet.

Replace crumbling tile in the shower stall with a maintenance free shower surround. Grab bars in the shower, new water-saver toilet and/or a new whirlpool tub. You can go from a small bathroom remodeling design project to a major bathroom renovation. The size of the project will depend on the size of your budget and the amount of inconvenience you want to have. Remodeling a bathroom can be expensive. The average cost of a full renovation of a bathroom when hiring a contractor is about the same as the cost of a small car. By doing part or all of the remodeling work yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. While making a decision about bathroom remodeling, remember that in most recent years homeowners were able to recoup approximately 85% of their costs upon sale of their home. This recovery is when a professional remodels the bathroom.

Some professionals consider small projects consisting of replacing the tub with a new tub or a shower unit. If this is what you are considering for your bathroom, you will need to include the flooring in your plans. Most new tubs or shower units will not cover where the old flooring conformed to the old tub. This work will involve removing fixtures (toilet, etc.) which will cause labor costs to rise. A project like this is okay but most homeowners usually consider a medium to large remodeling project for the bathroom. For these projects you want to plan very carefully so you will be happy with what you end up with after the project is completed. You will want to make sure that you have extra facilities to use while the remodeling is in progress.

Your plans should include the fixture placement, i.e. do you keep the old layout or create a new one? What type of lighting do you want? Do you want task lighting at every functional area or general lighting throughout the bathroom? Do you want a bathroom heating system to keep you warm when you get out of the shower (i.e. floor warming system)? Do you want greenery or how about a HiFi television for your bathroom? Fog free mirrors? No more waiting for steam to clear before you can see yourself! Plan carefully and within your budget! When the project is completed, enjoy the new room you designed for you and your family!

K Hoyng is the web master and operator of http://www.quickcash2u.com which is a good source of information for remodeling and much more information. Visit this site at http://www.quickcash2u.com/BathroomRemodeling.html

Why Choose Wood and How to Do it

Wood, as a durable material, does more good than just staying in our rainforests and providing homes for the animals in the wild. Wood provides lumber that is used for building homes and installation; hobbies such as sculpting and making furniture and a whole lot more. Techniques involving with woodworking as an art are carving, sawing, sanding, painting, laminating and finishing. So why choose wood? Lumber is readily available and it's a replaceable resource which can figure into plenty of resale value. This material never goes out of style. Some materials like vinyl may be pretty and are prominent on the market; however it is costly and lacks artistic detail. Using metal would mean having lack of strength causing it to dent, and in time it may rust.

Wood, as a choice, offers a sophisticated and personal look. Each section is as exclusive as ones fingerprints. Each variety has a diverse feel and a clear-cut personality. From an entirely aesthetic point of view, nothing matches the elegance and appeal that wood offers. Synthetic materials mimic wood, but they can only try. How can the quality, intensity and beauty be captured?

Unprocessed, untreated, natural or organic wood has massive ecological benefits against building materials that exist today. Wood is a hundred percent biodegradable, it functions as an excellent insulator, it is easier to process and uses a reduced amount of energy to manage than does steel, aluminum, concrete or plastic.

Many high class efficient construction techniques exist today. Conventionally, the use of wood framing isn't the most efficient in house production. Although it is undeniable that it has certain advantages. Constructing homes using wood is also inexpensive and cost-effective. What's more is that experienced contractors aren't difficult to find when building framed walls.

In choosing the right flooring for a house, would you rather choose carpet, tile or wood? What are the advantages CEAof having carpet? Sure it is slip resistant, comes in beautiful colors, and has a nice feel on the toes. Carpet may be all that but it can cause allergies especially with children. Given its texture, it traps in bacteria, dust and mold. Tile is easy to clean, but it can have a cold feel when walking barefoot. Hardwood is pretty easy to maintain and can cut down the number of allergy causing particles inside the home. Stepping on to any flooring made out of wood will make you appreciate the welcoming tones and shades.

Using wood isn't the only thing there is. The most important part is how to choose the material carefully for the purpose of protecting it from termites and from rotting. Outdoor decks or those used for landscaping are mostly unprotected and are housed by termites and therefore will decay. There are types of woods that are naturally resistant. These types include the cedar, cyprus and redwood. Problems with pest infestation is the result of a wood with soil contact. Treated wood made of composite materials is advisable when constructing wooden decks or porches or anything that may come in contact with soil. There are lumbers that are pressure-treated and are very much resistant to termites, other insects and rotting. They are processed with a sequence of pressure cycles forcing the wood preservative deep into the pores of the wood, therefore developing a chemical barricade against insects and decay.

There is available treated wood that has been observed to be successful with its performance. Its durability depends on its location and its use. The use of treated wood is determined by the retention of the wood, or the quantity of wood preservative placed. The lowest retention property (0.15 plus water repellant) mostly are used for gazebos, fence boards, hand rails, trellises, and decks. Retention property of 0.25 is used for trim and fascia, framing, flooring and sill plates. A retention property of 0.40 is mostly used with deck fence posts, deck support posts, and landscaping. Lastly, retention property of 0.60 is used for making permanent wood foundation and building poles.

The above article was written by Sarah Miller on behalf of a buzzing online Home Improvement community where homeowners easily and painlessly find the right contractor for their home improvement projects and in turn, contractors can find the right Home Improvement Leads! Also check out the QuoteCity.com Blog for more related Home Improvement Articles and Ideas.

Keys to French Property Renovation

French property renovations are quite different from the average home renovation. These properties are often period pieces that have distinct and unique features that need special care and attention. But before grabbing your air tools and air compressor you should understand in order to covert an old property into a modern property without losing that period feel, a person needs to understand the key points of renovating a French Property.

Many FrenB65ch homes were built quite a while ago and are now on sale. These homes will require renovation because they have either been neglected or not lived in for many years. They are most likely going to be a place that is fine to live in, but the new owner will probably desire some renovations to give it the modern feel desired in a home today.

Before a person buys a French property they should have it inspected in order to authenticate the period property. Additionally, the inspection should include a check of the waste system, general structure, including the foundation, and electricity to ensure all are still in good condition and useable. This inspection will help the buyer to understand the renovation work that will need to be done and help them decide it the purchase is reasonable.

Before renovations start, the buyer should establish an idea of the total renovation cost. The estimate should include factors such as delays or unexpected problems that could arise. When doing renovations on French property, a buyer needs to make sure they are staying true to the period of the piece. It is best to hire an architect that is familiar with French period homes to oversee the renovations.

How to Choose the Right Architect

The architect is going to make sure that all building codes are followed and that the renovations stay true to the design of the home.

Choosing the right architect is going to be very important to making the renovation process a success. The architect should be able to handle the needed building permits and the preservation order, if any. A preservation order may be necessary if the home is included in the Inventaire Supplementaire des Monuments Historiques, which is the inventory of Historic Monuments.

The architect should also be registered in France, which can be verified by asking for the Siret number. A Siret number is issued by the France Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the buyer should ask for a Decenel Insurance or a Responsabilite Civile. Both of these are insurance coverage for the architect that will cover any damages to the property made by error.

Overall, the architect should have experience working with period homes and know what he or she is doing. It is very important that the architect is knowledgeable enough to know what to do and what not to do during the renovation and that he or she can warn the buyer should any problem arise.

Jerry Blackburn's publications are found on a lot of online publications linked to air compressor systems and use of air compressors. With his documents, the reviewer improved his capability on areas associated with compressor and air compressor systems.

Sanding Hardwood Floors

There are certain hardwoods that are vulnerable to weather and climate changes. Some woods contract or shorten when it is hot. Others expand when there is moisture. When this happens, the floor becomes uneven. If left unchecked, it could ruin the look of the room and even become hazardous enough to cause accidents.

You1C26 do not have to take out the planks and replace them. The more practical solution is to sand them. Sanding your floor is a project that needs your dedication and time, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor for it.

Sanding It All Away

For the initial sanding, you will need to use the coarsest sandpaper- the 20 grit. There is a sanding machine that you can use to make the whole ordeal easier and faster.

For efficiency, you will need to sand the floor at a 45 degree angle to the grain. It may take several rounds before the surface evens. It really depends on the precision of the tongue-and-grove milling of the hardwood.

Another technique is pushing and pulling the sander as it moves. The pressure is strong as it moves forward. You will need to lift the sander at an angle and apply pressure as it moves back. Continue this method until the diagonal scratches are not visible anymore. You must be careful that the traces of the sandpaper are eliminated. The slightest pattern will show after you apply a coating.

The process may take a long time. Be prepared to change the sandpaper form time to time. Stock up on 20, 36, 60, 80, and 100 grit sandpaper. For wood that is coated with aluminum oxide, use a commercially available softening solution before sanding. It may be hard to sand if you do not do this. Sandpaper also contains aluminum oxide so scratching the two surfaces against each other will take more force.

Hardwood Floors provides detailed information on Hardwood Floors, Engineered Hardwood Floors, Solid Hardwood Floors, Long-strip Hardwood Floors and more. Hardwood Floors is affiliated with Install Hardwood Flooring.

Changing a Toilet Wax Ring

If there is water slowly leaking around the base of your toilet, or you constantly smell a foul odor in your bathroom chances are the toilet wax ring has begun to fail and it is time for it to be replaced.

A toilet wax ring is pretty much described by its name. It is a 1 to 2 inch thick ring of wax, frequently found surrounding a plastic funnel. The toilet wax ring works by forming a water/air tight seal between the base of the porcelain toilet base and the toilet flange (plastic or cast iron).

If a toilet rocks when it is sat upon, over time the toilet wax ring will breakdown and fail. This failure manifests itself in the formation of small water and odor leaks around the base of the toilet. If left unchecked, damage could occur to the bathroom floor and unsafe sewer gasses may build up in the home.

A new toilet wax ring should also be replaced any time a toilet is removed (e.g. during the installation of a new bathroom floor).

Replacing a toilet wax ring is easy to do and can be done by the do it yourself homeowner with a little knowledge and some preparation. Replacing a toilet wax ring can be done in about 1 hour assuming there are no extenuating circumstances.

The basic ste16D0ps required to change a toilet wax ring begin with turning off the water supply line and emptying the tank and bowl of water. The supply line also needs to be disconnected from the toilet.

Next the anchor nuts, secured to the Hold-Down bolts, need to be unscrewed.

The toilet is then lifted off the toilet flange and turned over.

The old toilet wax ring can then be scraped and removed off the base of the toilet, and the floor can be cleaned of any old wax ring residue.

The new toilet wax ring is then pressed onto the base of the toilet and the toilet is then reseated onto the toilet flange.

The anchor nuts are then re-screwed back onto the Hold-down bolts and the supply line reconnected.

The water supply line to the toilet can then be turned back on and the toilet is back in business.

For more help on changing a toilet wax ring see the Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Changing a Toilet Wax Ring EBook will quickly explain to you in detail the step-by-step process for changing the wax ring on a toilet and includes how-to pictures for every key step in the process.

Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com.

Hire Painting Contractor for Professional House Painting Job

Painting is one of the most commonly done home renovation or repair. It gives a new look to the house without making any changes to its structure. It is the easiest way to add new appeal to home aesthetics. Though many people like to paint their house on their own, it is advisable to hire a painting contractor for the task. A painting contractor does not only give you the perfect finish but also provides you with the best of professional services.

A painting contractor executes the project in a more professional manner, thus giving better results than any do-it-yourself work. A painting contractor would know what material would suit the best for the climatic and weather conditions in your local area. Also, the painting contractor is well aware of the local trends of the market. Moreover, a painting contractors crew would wrap up the complete project within fraction of time that you would have taken to paint your house single-handedly. So, theres time saving also!

Hire a painting contractor instead of getting the complete home improvement done. This will fit better into your budget if that is your concern. Painting contractor does interior painting, exterior painting, wallpapering, paint removal, paint preparation, and special finishes.

For more tips and guidelines please visit http://www.allremodel.com

All Types Of Conservatories

Victorian, Gazebo, Georgian and Edwardian are some of the conservatory sun room styles you can select from, a range of wood types to build your sun room, including oak, maple, cedar, mahogany and fir. They provide maximum insulation thereby increasing energy efficiency. The glass room controls the air temperature inside, even during extreme climatic conditions. These patio room enclosures are best suited for regions with a breathtaking view, by 5B4allowing maximum space for viewing the landscape. The English-Style conservatories are well known for their classic design and elegant look and feel, you can select from a range of decorative Victorian sun room conservatories to the magnificent Georgian structures.

Features of Sun room Conservatories

These conservatories have their respective architectural plans. They are provided with beautiful windows of various frames, you can also select from a range of stained glass to add a personalized touch to the conservatory. The doors and windows can be provided with multi point lock facility for added security. Instead of glass, if you use polycarbonate multi-ply for the roof you will get increased insulation, they only allow the soft light to diffuse inside the room. The walls have multiple chambers and the PVC used to make the walls of the sun room is reinforced with metal to provide more strength to the structure. This feature also makes the conservatories more durable. You can derive greater ventilation by fitting the turn and tilt windows. In times of bad weather conditions, these windows can be tilted in such an angle that they provide the necessary ventilation with allowing the adverse weather to affect indoor atmosphere, they can also be opened to 90 angle. giving you unrestricted view of outside environment.

Conservatory Design and Style

The conservatories can be built according to a number of designs and s5B4tyles. Some of the common styles and designs include Victorian conservatory, Georgian conservatory, Edwardian conservatory, Mediterranean conservatory and Pavilion conservatory. The Victorian models sometimes have aluminum exterior and interior finish, they are provided with interlocked window and door sashes with thermal panels. You can select a number of systems for your doors and windows from fixed to dual, removable screens to sliding ones, child secure handles to double lock, in place of aluminum, you can also have wood interiors. They can have aluminum exteriors with laminated wooden beams and thermal panels. The windows can have various attachments including double security lock, awnings, grills, and casement windows. You can place French doors or even single swing and sliding doors, you can even have the Victorian conservatories clad with vinyl. They have low maintenance cost and the construction is energy efficient, they are available with the French swing doors or the sliding doors with glazed roof panels. The Double Victorian style is a hybrid variation with Victorian arcs and Edwardian columns.

The Edwardian conservatories are usually built with a corner facet of 45, they have a typical vaulted ceiling that is often made up of stained glass, they usually run parallel to the house and are best suited for conventional houses. The Georgian conservatory provides you with spacious rooms made of glass that are economical a5B4nd are energy efficient, they are provided with insulated roofing and thermal panels with interlocked window and door sashes, they have quad doors or swinging French doors with removable screens and have child proof door knobs with double locking system.

Extending The Room With Conservatories

Your rooms can be extended to form the conservatory patio rooms, porches, full glass rooms and the three or four season sun rooms. The patios allow the fresh air to enter, but stop insects and unwanted intruders from entering. But most of the time using this room is done only in summer or when the chill is not there in the air. You can build the sun room on an existing structure or just convert a room into a sun room depending on your needs. Some of the conservatory sun rooms make use of the heating and cooling system of the house to regulate the room temperature of the glass enclosed area. If this facility is not provided, you can easily install the system in the conservatory. The conservatories facing the North require fewer blinds as they are the coldest. On the contrary, the South facing ones are really warm and require constant ventilation in the form of open windows, vents on roofs and tinted roof. The West facing conservatories gets the benefit of the evening light of the sun, while the East facing one gets the morning sun and is best suited as a breakfast room. Conservatories sure do add charm to family relationships by bringing4BD all the family members together in the morning and in the evening to share the outdoor environment and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. If well planned, they become the ideal place to relax and indulge in your favorite pastime.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on the subject for http://www.allsunrooms.com For additional information regarding sunrooms or patio rooms go to conservatory sunroom.

Planning A Bathroom Remodel Project

Some people approach any home renovation project as a bit of a hobby. This is a good approach if you are learning DIY or want a stress free activity to do when you're not at work. Invariably they do little planning of the project and it develops 1C84organically. For example, if they have a bathroom remodel project they will not set any deadline to have it completed. They may search around for the ideal bath, to the extent that it could take months to find it. They may purchase all their materials from auctions to save money. They may see it as a learning process and thus are not really worried about a perfect finish. If however you want to a more structured approach here are some things to consider when planning a bathroom remodel project.

Any remodeling project should follow the same process. Do some initial planning. How many people will be using the bathroom. This might determine whether you should add a separate toilet or an ensuite. Make a list of all the items you will need to store in your bathroom. This will indicate the size of the cabinets you will need and whether there is enough space in the room. Consider what you don't like about the existing bathroom. If the layout is not practical then you will be looking at redesigning the room. This will be a considerable expense. If you simply don't like the colors in the room or feel that some of the fixtures are a bit dated then this will be less expensive.

This brings us onto the budget. After the initial planning, you need to set a budget. The planning will give you some idea of what you want in your new bathroom. You will have decided if the job is big or small. You will have decided on a realistic time line. You will have decided if you want to do the job yourself or will leave it to tradespeople. Get costings for all the new fixtures you will be adding. Get some quotes for plumbing and any restructuring work. Above all try to stick to this budget as it could impact the completion date if the money dries up. Work out what you can do yourself and what to leave to the professionals. For instance, you could do the initial clearing out. You could strip the wall paper or tiling.

Before finalizing your decision over which professionals you are going to hire make sure you check that they are licensed and insured. Check any references that they give. Be sure to communicate what you require from the professional and ensure that they are clear about this. Keep an eye on their work to be sure it is not deviating from the initial plan. Ensure that the quality is what you expect. You don't have to be on their back every few minutes but asses the work at the end of each day. Never pay more than 10% of their costs up front.

If you are looking for some inspiration for a new look in the bathroom, then furniture or DIY stores generally have demonstration bathrooms that can give you ideas. You can look at their brochures too. Lifestyle magazines always have features on remodeling so browse through these types of magazines.

If you want to breathe new life into your home or are simply looking for a bit of inspiration then visit http://www.finehomeideas.com The site gives tips and advice for home renovation and interior design, including selecting the best bathroom sinks and choosing bathroom rugs. Adrian Whittle gives inspiration and ideas on how to make your home special.

Log Home Construction

Not all log homes are created equal. In fact, there are a variety of methods and materials utilized to create the look and feel of log construction which either use manufactured or milled logs, half or split log, log panel, or a combination of these various elements.

Manufactured or milled logs are complete log components throughout which require chinking ( a type of caulk ) to seal the surface joint where the logs rest on one another. Since they are machined, this method usually requires a hidden spline detail as well as an additional means of adjoining the two components.

Half log or split log is essentially a facade treatment which affixes half log components to a conventionally stick framed structure as is the method of log panel type construction.

The highest level of craftsmanship can be found in the method of hand scribing where each log component is hand scribed and then hand-peeled using a draw knife. The result is a tight fit that requires no chinking. This is achieved by the hand scribing and wedge notch corner detail.

Improvements in technology and engineering have brought innovations to the industry which have allowed for improved standards of quality such as the use of through- bolting which secures the vertical walls through the sill plate and into the Foundation or footing walls. This allows for periodic adjustments and take up as the logs continue the process of drying and the structure settles which maintains a tight fitting, straight settling wall.

The look and feel of a true log home is quite incredible. They engage all of the senses as there is an almost surreal aura about them. As you walk through you experience the wonderful aroma of the wood, the vastness of the open truss construction, the visual beauty of large scale natural building materials, and an overwhelming sense of tranquility and belonging.

It has long been noted that earth tones are calming and there is probably no better illustration of this notion than an organically constructed home.

The written word does not capture the essence and beauty of such a home. It must be experienced first hand.

Robert Kaufman is a licensed Realtor as well as a Township Zoning Administrator in Southwest Michigan with an extensive background in Land Use Controls and Planning.

Robert also serves as a volunteer member of the Parks and Recreation Committee and is currently working on adopting a new zoning ordinance to support PDR programs in an effort to preserve the large open tracts of agricultural and forested land in Southwest Michigan.

http://www.findmymichiganhome.com

Front Porch Design, Planning & Building In The UK

So, youre thinking about adding a new Porch to your home and looking for the best advice and designs? Congratulations! Keep reading, all will be revealed.

There are many great reasons to add a new Porch to your home. You may have not considered them all. Here are the main ones:

You want to improve the visual entrance to your home, internally and externally.
Increase the value of your home
Create more space and more light
Provide your home with the added security of a second door
Cut energy bills keep warmth in

Some people have found additional uses too as Porches can make great Storage areas for shoes, coats and in some cases even tropical plants!

Do I Need Porch Planning Permission?

Its the most frequently asked question so heres the answer:

The majority of Porches built in the UK do not require planning permission as they fall into the category of Permitted Development Providing that:

The ground area of the new Porch does not exceed 3 Square Metres
The height does not exceed 3 Metres above ground level
No part of a Front Porch is closer than 2 Metres to any highway
The building of your new Porch does not encroach on or over your neighbours property.
Your home is not a listed building or within a conservation area

These are the general guidelines although I would recommend that you seek clarification with your local planning department.

If you are looking to have a new Porch built within the Midlands or Milton Keynes, feel free to get in touch with us at Trustyle-uk.co.uk with any questions. Our qualified designers are always on hand to help with any questions on planning and design.

Designing The Ideal Porch For Your Home

Designing the perfect porch for your home is easy when you know how. Many get this crucial bit wrong though. Even the most conscientious of home- owners with the best intentions can get this wrong.

I recently spoke to one of our best designers about this very issue and he provided me with these excellent tips:

Firstly, the new front Porch should compliment the existing home. Of course, everybody knows this but getting this part right is the most important part of the designers job. Do this right and you could easily gain more value to a home than the cost of the Porch itself.

The size of the Porch shouldnt be too big as to dominate the front of the house or project forward of the bay.

When considering the Porch roof, take a look at your homes style, roof and age. If you have large gabled two story bay windows, a pitched roof will look far better than a flat roof. (A pitched roof is a term for roofs which look like upside down Vs)

Flat Porch roofs are better placed on flat fronted homes where the roofs run flat and straight across the front of your home. It might seem straight forward but start looking around and youll see homes with pitched roofs and bay windows with flat roof Porches extending fully along to the bay Most feel that this detracts from the houses potential.

If you have protruding bay windows, never look to extend it to form an enclosed Porch. There are other more appealing designs to go for regardless of the shape of your bay. Youll be looking to bring appeal to your home and that of the neighbourhood.

The materials used to build the Porch should depend on the existing house and Porches can come fully glazed using timber or UPVC or half glazed using brickwork, timber or UPVC. Porches often have more glazing than masonry.

All new brickwork should match the existing house using the same bond and mortar. Existing house style, windows, doors and brickwork are all considered by our designers to create the perfect match and balance.

The finishing touch is the right door to complete your Porch. At Trustyle-uk.co.uk we have a vast range of fully sculptured doors and together, we find the right match, visual appeal and security for your home.

Building A Porch - Terms

Eaves
Where the roof overhangs the house wall

Bond And Mortar
Method or pattern of laying bricks together with the particular bedding material used between the bricks.

Soldier Course
This is a continuous straight line of upright brickwork.

Door Canopies
Is a roof over a front door, sometimes supported by posts.

Stepped Houses
Where a part of the house is built further forward than another.

Recessed Doorways
Where the front door sits further back than the rest of the houses front wall, normally with a roof or a protruding first floor room above.

Pitched Roof
Where a roof forms the shape of an upside down V.

Halls Adjoining Houses
Is a pair of attached houses where the front doors are next to each other.

About the authors:

www.Trustyle-UK.co.uk design, build and supply a stylish sculptured Porch range, built to last with 10 year guarantees across Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Corby, Coventry, Bedford, Northampton, the Midlands and Milton Keynes.

Trustyle UK LTD. Permission to use this article is granted on the basis that it is reproduced in its entirety and not edited, changed or altered in any way. Trustyle UK LTD accept no liability for any inacuracies presented within this article.

House porch

Reglazing Bathtubs for a Whole New Experience

Is there a need to provide a more worthy bathing experience in the household? Then bathtub reglazing may be an option.

Bathtub Reglazing

Bathtub reglazing or refurnishing can improve the features and quality of the present bathtub. The refinishing and the new touches can give a total makeover to the bathing facility. The body bath will be more than inviting, it will be exhilarating.

Implementing the Reglazing

Should one feel the need to reglaze the present bathtub, there are two options to proceed. It can be a do-it-yourself experience or professional services or assistance may be sought. It really depends on the size of the tub and the size of the jobs. It will also depend to the owner, whether or not there is enough time to spare for the endeavor or sufficient resources to use.

What to Reglaze or Refurnish?

The bathtub can be refinished in any way deemed proper by the owner. Whatever the imagination may suggest can be achieved.

1. Bath Floors
The bath floors can be made non-slippery so as to provide more mobility during bath time, no need to worry over sudden slips or freak accidents.

2. Styles
The usual styles of bathtub are built-in, freestanding, soaking or specialty. Some choose the clawfoot for more antique look.

Whirlpools, Jacuzzis and jets can also be installed. Just make sure there is enough supply of hot water to maximize this experience.

3. Bathtub Material
The tub replacement can also go according to a specific theme. Tubs now come in different quality materials. They can be made of porcelain on steel, fiberglass, composite, cast iron, acrylic or cultured marble. See all choices available.

4. Size
The size can also be designated. Single bathtubs are available, although bathtubs for two may be more preferable for couples. Be sure to try it out first before buying. It should have enough space for stretching out. It should also support properly the back, head and neck.

5. Faucet and shower valves
There are also a variety of faucet and shower valves to choose from. Pick one that will best make the shower experience a comfortable one.

6. Accessories
The tub can also be made aesthetically pleasing. Special lightings and enclosures may be provided to provide a certain ambience. Even audio and DVD systems may be installed. Choose any accessory that will satisfy the desires. Just make sure that safety standards are still met.

Consider all these options in planning the bathtub. Also make sure that it fits the budget. Design the bathroom without letting all the money down the drain.

Seek Professional Experience

Should one not feel confident enough to take the reglazing matters alone, then it is not bad to seek the help of experts.

Some services are available within the area. Just check out the address book. The Internet also provides services. Some web sites can connect a person to a contractor within the area.

Asking for recommendations from other friends would be helpful. Find a contractor that has successfully and properly installed a bathtub.

The next thing to consider with the bathtub remodeler is the estimate if the project. The contractors can coordinate with the owners on arranging the matters so the budget can meet the plan.

After negotiating with the contractor, the project must be scheduled. This will matter most if the owner wants to oversee the whole project. It is also important to comply with local building inspections.

The Remodeling Experience

There are many things to learn in remodeling a bathtub. It is imperative that fixtures and accessories of premium brand be chosen. One also has to see to it from the planning stage, implementation until it is fully finished.

The possibilities are endless. With reglazing, the bathtub is more than just a washing and showering facility. It will be the ultimate expression of the valued comfort, safety and cleanliness.

Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of bathtub refinishing. Claire provides more information on her site about bathtub reglazing that you can research at home.

Byzantine Architecture

Byzantine Empire

When he Roman Empire fell in 476 AD the Middle Age started. However, before its fall, the empire was divided into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. In 476, the "Western Roman Empire" fell, while the Eastern Roman Empire, whose capital became Constantinople, preserved Roman culture (and architecture) and became the Byzantine Empire.

The religious buildings and their designs are the first achievements of the Byzantine Empire. Another important advancement was the development of bacilicas. Bacilicas were early Christian or medieval churches. This style was common in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Byzantine and Islamic architecture share aB53 common trend: that is, the use of the dome. One example is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which was Islamic architecture, but illustrates the influence Byzantine bestowed as the dome style passed on to the Muslims. They often used "Persian' dome. We modernly refer to this as the Onion Dome. The most celebrated example is the Taj Mahal (A.D. 1630) at Agra, India. Byzantine's advancement in developing the dome created a new style in global architecture, for no other civilization had designed buildings, especially religious buildings, as did the Byzantines.

Structural evolution

As early as the building of Constantine's churches in Palestine there were two chief types of plan in use: the basilican, or axial, type, represented by the basilica at the Holy Sepulchre, and the circular, or central, type, represented by the great octagonal church once at Antioch. Those of the latter type we must suppose were nearly always vaulted, for a central dome would seem to furnish their very raison d'etre. The central space was sometimes surrounded by a very thick wall, in which deep recesses, to the interior, were formed, as at the noble church of St George, Salonica (5th century), or by a vaulted aisle, as at Sta Costanza, Rome (4th century); or annexes were thrown out from the central space in such a way as to form a cross, in which these additions helped to counterpoise the central vault, as at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna (5th century). The most famous church of this type was that of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople. Vaults appear to have been early applied to the basilican type of plan; for instance, at Hagia Irene, Constantinople (6th century), the long body of the church is covered by two domes.

Hagia Sophia

The Golden Age of Byzantine Architecture was under the rule of Justian in 527-565. It was during this period that the most famous examples of all Byzantine Architecture was built, including the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia was rebuilt from 532 to 537 after the previous church was destroyed by riots and fires. This church has some unique features which became the patterns for Byzantine Architecture for years after.

The style of the Hagia Sophia or Church of Divine Wisdom, was to have a large dome in the middle of the structure. The dome has a unique form in that it rest on 4 massive pillars which are arranged in a square.

Consider Geothermal For Your New Home Heating System!

One thing is for sure energy prices are going to continue to rise. If you are considering replacing your heating and cooling systems or if you are building a new home then you should consider the advantages of using geothermal! One of the most energy efficient methods of heating and cooling your home is to use a geothermal heat exchanger.

Some geothermal systems even provide hot water for your home.

Geothermal heating and cooling is not science fiction, it is a proven method of supplying heating and cooling and its acceptance, and installation is growing daily. Savings on yearly energy bills can be as much as 60 percent. In the US, the federal government and many states are providing tax incentives and credits if you install a geothermal HVAC system. Other countries including Canada also have incentive programs. Check out your local 16C5electrical utility or government website.

How does it work?

It uses technologies that have been around for many years - pumps and heat exchangers. A well is drilled on your property. The water from the well is pumped through a heat exchanger in your home where a portion of the latent heat in that water is removed and used to heat your home. In the summer, as the water temperature is cooler than the outside air the system provides air conditioning to your home. In climates where temperatures fall below 0 degrees, supplemental heating using gas, electricity, or fuel oil may be incorporated into the system.

Electricity is used to power the pump and the circulation fans. There is no cost to the homeowner for the actual heat. No gas or fuel oil is consumed.

A geothermal system is not only cost beneficial, it is very environmentally friendly and it conserves our precious fossil fuels.

Interested?

For additional information on geothermal heating and cooling systems, follow the link.

For additional information on geothermal HVAC systems for your home or for information on other home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Discount Vanity Cabinets

You may find that discount bathroom vanities and cabinets are available to solve your bathroom design and storage needs. When you look at it, this is the day of the discount when it come to home-improvement products. Choices of sizes, design and materials have never been so great. But remember you should be careful when you see rock bottom ads, to protect your self from cheap materials and shoddy construction, you should make sure to check the quality of the vanity cabinetry carefully before you buy.

You must beware of flaws and little things, that can become huge problems later, that denote inferior construction. In this market with a little research on your part a discounted bathroom vanity price can found without having to settle for construction that is sub par, so don't settle. The reality is that "cheap" or "discount" is not synonymous with inferior. In fact you should5B4 be able to locate a inexpensive vanity that offers first quality construction, meets your design requirements and is affordable. There are wholesale, outlet and overstocked vanities available at discounted prices online and in warehouses and showrooms, many not advertised, that are just waiting to be found.

The material that vanity cabinets are constructed of will play a big part in how long they will look good and most importantly the length of time you can expect to get good service from it. Fine solid wood cabinets and sturdy plywood cases with solid wood doors will holdup well to daily wear and tear and damage from moist, steamy environment in a bathroom. What you want to watch out for is cabinets that are constructed of particle board or laminate over particle board. These do not hold up well to wear and tear, also they may lead quickly to warping, peeling or cupping when exposed to a great deal of moisture.

Some of the things you should beware of are drawers that stick or fail to open smoothly and that are held together with glue, nails or staples. As for vanity cabinet interiors, they should be finished and not rough, this includes the rear surfaces. When you have found a vanity you like that has shelves check to make sure they are adjustable, this is another sign of quality, they should also measure 5/8 inch thick to prevent bowing when you actually put items on them.

Here is some helpful cabinet lingo to hel5B4p you search for your bathroom vanities. First, stock vanity cabinets will be your least expensive option, these are pre-assembled and factory made, that in many cases you can take home the same day. Some are well made but there are limitations on the sizes, styles and finishes available. Then there are semi-custom designs, they are a little more than stock, that offer a greater variety of styles and finishes. However, these are also factory made and available only in standard sizes. Custom vanity cabinets will be the most costly option, but they offer you the greatest design flexibility because they are built to your specifications.

Searching for bathroom vanities online is a great way to get educated to the market, view galleries of styles and finishes, compare companies and ultimately find the best prices. Vanities stores have websites, in fact this is an excellent way to begin since most manufacturers have a presence on line and you cut out the middleman and attain deep discounts. You can also find closeouts on vanity units that offer huge savings with a click of the mouse. As long as you can get first quality construction and materials that meet your bathroom design needs if you are on a budget you can't afford not to look for discount bathroom vanities.

Get more in depth vanity and bathrooom countertop ideas and 3ACinformation go to Bathroom Vanity and Counter Tops Also click here to visit http://Countertops-And-Cabinets.Com which is dedicated to providing quality information on bathroom vanities and countertops and kitchen countertops and cabinets.

Bathroom on a Budget

The bathroom is frequently one of the most neglected and forgotten rooms in our homes, despite the fact that they are often one of the rooms we use the most. Since it is also a room that we spend ample amounts of time in, who doesn't want a bathroom that doubles as a relaxing spa-like getaway? Making your bathroom into a tranqu1C75il retreat can be done with less work and money than you think. Without making major changes, you can create a relaxing bathroom for next to nothing. Find out how...

Repaint

Simply repainting any room can give it a whole new look and feel since color plays a huge role in the overall statement a room conveys. Neutral colors convey calm and quiet and "soft" colors create a relaxing environment. On the other hand, strong and bright colors create a lively and inspiring mood. For example, blue shades (highly popular for bathrooms) are calming and relaxing while greens are soothing. Warm colors such as yellows, creams, and peaches provide comfort and warmth, and also provide good reflection for the skin.

Select a color that conveys the feeling you want in the room, whether stimulating, relaxing, or peaceful. Keep in mind that certain colors can make a room feel smaller or darker, so choose your colors wisely.

Re-Accessorize

Another inexpensive way to upgrade? Re-accessorize! Meaning, add a new shower curtain, new window treatments, and new wall hangings. If you have adequate space and light, try adding a plant or two. Adding new accessories can give the bathroom an updated, more modern look.

New Fixtures

While this may not be as inexpensive as the previous tips, it is another great way to give your bathroom a redo without making any major or structural changes. Simply updating the sink fixtures or installing a more modern toilet will make the bathroom more appealing. Consider getting new bath furniture such as a new vanity or mirror.

Expert Tips for Finishing a Basement

Finishing a basement is a great remodeling project that can add a great deal of value and comfort to your home. If you have never undertaken this kind of project, however, it may seem too daunting for you to attempt. With a bit of planning, organization, and expert adv1C69ice, though, most homeowners are perfectly capable of completing a basement remodel either themselves or by bringing in a qualified contractor to do some or all of the work.

If you are interested in finishing a basement in your home, keep in mind some of the expert tips we have collected from contractors, homeowners, and realtors. Always make sure your renovation plans are completely in line with current building codes and that you get the proper permits and inspections required by your local government. This ensures your project will meet all safety requirements and in most cases makes it easier to take the steps necessary to officially include the finished basement area as part of the square footage of your home.

Finishing a Basement

Never hire a contractor based on the lowest bid or because he or she is your friend, neighbor, or relative. There are no shortcuts to a quality remodeling result, so be prepared that the kind of quality you want is going to require an appropriate amount of money. Always check contractor references and look at past work, regardless of how well you think you know them personally. Its important that you choose someone who has had experience completing basement remodeling projects, so be sure to ask about their background in that area.

Preparation is key to successfully finishing a basement, most notably waterproofing and repair of any cracks, chips, or other kinds of damage that is often found in a basement. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is to skip these critical preparation activities so they end up with water or other kinds of damage to their finished basement just a few months down the road. If you plan to use the area as a family room for watching TV and movies, plan ahead so that the electrical and cable outlets are located in logical locations where you actually plan to put your TV equipment. With these expert tips in mind, finishing a basement can be a rewarding, and practical, remodeling project to undertake.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

Copper Weathervanes - A Great Option For Making Your Home Stand Out

You live in the suburbs and the one thing that kind of bums you out about it is that fact that your home looks just like everyone elses. Sure, the uniformed appearance helps with aesthetic appeal of the entire neighborhood, but at the sometime, it can get a little boring. So, if you are searching for a way to make your home stand out from the rest, a beautiful way to do it is with copper weathervanes. They are eye-catching selections that would be an ideal addition to any home.

Copper weathervanes are extremely appealing to the eye because of the beautiful copper that they are crafted from. When purchasing yours, there are two main finishes that you can choose from including polished and antique. The polished finish is one that is very shiny and shows off this materials reddish bronze tone. Now, over time, if you do not apply a lacquer or polyurethane to protect it from the elements, it will weather to a gorgeous verdigris color, which is actually the antique option that was mentioned. If you want yours to have that antique finish right off the bat, you can get ones that are already finished off in that way.

With copper weathervanes, there are many different styles, shapes, sizes, and designs available, which makes it a synch to find something to match where you want to put it and your personality. For example, if you want something for your rooftop and you like things that have a nautical theme, then a great option for you would be one that is in the shape of a schooner or sailboat that is larger in size. Along with being a great choice for the top of your house, this outdoor accessory would also be a nice choice for other spots throughout your space as well. Like you could put one that depicts a peaceful dove in your garden as a nice decorative accent, which would also be a nice addition to any shed back that needs a little sprucing up.

When it comes down to it, there are just a lot copper weathervanes to choose from and some other style available include ones that feature farm animals like chicken, pigs, cows, and roosters, others that have more of a transportation theme like cars, motorcycles, and trains, and you can even get ones that feature garden whimsy scenes including fairies, dragons, and witches. And, those just listed are just some of the options that are available. For a great way to see them all, do not head down to your local garden center or landscape store. Instead, make a b-line for your personal computer and do some online shopping. You can see everything that is available without leaving your home and your selection will even be shipped right to your door. Now, it does not get any easier than that.

So, if you are looking for a way to make your home stand out from everyone elses on your block, a fantastic way to do just that is with beautiful copper weathervanes. One would be a stunning addition to your home and is a great way to break up the monotony in your neighborhood.

Jennifer Akre, a successful business owner of numerous furniture and decor sites, provides the online shopper information on weathervanes and weather vanes. Finish your home in style. You Deserve It - Treat Yourself: copper weathervanes.

Building By The Square Foot

How much material is it going to take to do the job? What is the labor cost for the project?

These are questions a contractor asks himself when bidding a job. In most cases a contractor will use the square foot method to determine the answer to those questions.

This method of take off is particularly handy in figuring sheet good type materials such as wall sheathing, plywood decking, roof sheathing and drywall. To find the square footage for one of these areas, multiply the height or width times(x) the length. For example if you have an eight foot high wall by 40 feet long the square footage for the wall would be 32E2B0 square feet. Most sheet goods are 4 feet by 8 feet or 32 square feet. The square footage of the wall is divided by 32. It will take 10 sheets of plywood or insulated sheathing to cover this wall.

This same method can be used to figure the plywood or OSB for the house deck and roof. To figure the deck simply multiply the width of the deck by the length to get the square footage and divide by 32. Figuring the square footage of a roof is similar but with a twist.

For the roof multiply the length of the rafters by the length of the roof. Take the result times 2 for the total square footage for both sides of a gable roof, then divide by 32 to get the amount of plywood to sheet the roof. The square footage of a hip roof is figured the same way.

Drywall is also figured by the square foot. This can be an involved process. It can be broken down into two parts. First the square footage for the ceilings can be figured. Like the deck this is figured length times width. Then the lineal feet of all the walls is taken times the height. Interior walls will be added in twice because they have drywall on both sides. Labor to hang, tape, and paint the drywall is also figured this way. Besides drywall and painting, many other labor costs are figured by the square foot. Roofing and siding are figured by the square. A square is 100 square feet. For example if a roof is 1200 square feet, it will take 12 squares of shingles to cover it. The same unit of measurement goes for vinyl, wood, aluminum, steel and cement sidings.

Carpentry makes use of this measurement also. The cost to frame a house is usually figured by the square foot. Costs to build a whole house are estimated this way to help people determine if a house or its house plans are affordable for them to build.

Flooring is also among one of those things that use the square foot method to figure labor and materials. This includes ceramic and quarry tiles, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring, and carpeting. Most contractors and installers use a price per square foot for their labor when calculating their costs for installation.

This information will help you understand contractor estimates and help you do your own calculations for projects.

Mike Merisko(c) 2007 - www.sawkerfs.com

Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his website http://www.sawkerfs.com or visit his blog at http://www.sawkerfs.blogspot.com

34 Inch Plywood